Meyers



Jan. 1"

G. W. MEYERS AUTOMATIC COIN CONTROLLING AND REGISTERING MECHANISM 2 Shasta-Sheet l [/Zi Z/ZZZ/f Filed Aug- 20, 1919 Jan. 1, 1924 1,479,105

cs. w. MEYERS AUTOMATIC COIN CONTROLLING AND REGISTERING MECHANISM Filed Aug. 20, 1919 2 Sheets-Sheet Z ?!s i 5 iii i I J W.

Patented Jan. 1, 1924.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

GEORGE WASHINGTON IEYERS, OF RAHWAY, NEW JERSEY, ASSIGNOR TO NATIONAL PNEUIATIC COIPANY, O1: NEW YORK, N. Y., A CORPORATION OF WEST VIRGINIA.

AUTOIATIO COIN CONTROLLING AND REGISTERING MECHANISM.

Application filed August 20, 1919. Serial No. 318,772.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, GEORGE W. Mnrnns, a

. citizen of the United States, residing at Rahmission to the register controlled device of a way, county of Union, State of New Jersey, have made a certain new and useful Inven tion in Automatic Coin Controlling and Registering Mechanism, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to automatic coin controlling and registering mechanism.

The object of the invention is to provide a mechanism which is simple in structure and efiicient in operation for sorting and registerin coins.

A urther object of the invention is to provide a mechanlsm of the character referred to, the operations of which are controlled by the come to be re istered.

. A further object o the invention is to provide power operated devices in a re istering mechanism of the nature referre to for actuating the re 'ster, the power devices bein controlled y the coins to be registe -A further object of the invention is to provide a mechanism in a registering apparatus of the nature referred to in which the adcoin to be registered is prevented until a previously introduced coin has been completely re 'stered.

Other 0 jects of the invention will appear more fully hereinafter.

The invention consists substantially in the construction, combination, location, and relative arrangement of parts, all as, will be more fully hereinafter set forth, as shown in the accompanying drawings, and finally pointed out in the appended claims.

In the accompan ing drawings Fig. 1 is a view in side elevation, arts in vertical section, showing a register x and controlling mechanism for power operated register devices, and embodying the principles of my invention.

Fig. 2 is an end elevation of the structure shown in Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a view illustrating the wer mechanism for operating the register evice and a circuit diagram of the controlling connections.

Fig. 4 is a detail view in section on the line 4, 4, Fig. 1, looking in the direction of the arrows. 4

The same part is designated by the same reference numeral wherever throughout the several views.

In carrying out m invention I employ a box or casin' which may be deemed the coin or fare ox in which is contained the devices for controlling the operation of a motor b which the register devices are 0 rated, t e controlling devices contained within the box being in turn controlled by the passage of coins into the box. In carrying out the principles of m invention I propose to employ a coin or are box structure for registering only coins of a given size or denomination, for example, for re istering only nickels, although the principles of my invention are equally well applicable to the registration of only quarters, dimes, pennies, half dollars, etc. For the purposes of illustration I will describe the apparatus as applied for the registration of nickels. In accordance with my invention where the machine is adapted to register nickels I provide means for rejecting coi ns of other sizes or denominations such as pennies, dimes, quarters, etc. It is also among the special pur oses of my invention to provide means w ereby a coin is arrested and held from entering and actuating the control devices for the register anti 9. previously introduced coin has completed its control functions and complete re istration thereof has been accomplished.

Iteferring specifically to Fi 3 of the drawing, reference numeral 4 esignates a motor, which for pur oses of illustration may be in the form 0 a cylinder carrying the piston operated by compressed air, the piston rod 5 of which piston is suitably connected to an arm 6 through which a register mechanism indicated generally at 7 is actuated. The particular structure of register or odometer mechanism is immaterial, and in the specific details thereof forms no part of my present invention. In ractice the piston rod 5 is connected in a ongitudinal slot 8 of the register actuatin arm 6 to permit rectilinear movement of t e piston to be transmitted into rocking movement of the register arm. The motor 4 is controlled through an suitable or convenient control device. Where a pneumatic motor is employed it is convenient to use an electromagnetically operated valve structure indicated generally at 9. In accordance with my invention the circuit" of the valve conit appears v the coin box,

trol device 9 is completed by the introduction of the coin to be registered into the fare box and said circuit is maintained com pleted until the motor has effected its registering function and has returned to its normal position ready for action when the next coin is introduced or admitted to the control devices.

The active element in the control devices effected by the introduction of a coin is an electromagnet 10, the circuit of which is preliminarily closed when a coin of the registration size or denomination reaches a certain point in its course of passage through I as will be more fully explained hereinafter. The energization of magnet 10 attracts the armature 11 thereof and rocks a short shaft 12 to which the arm carrying the armature 11 is connected. A cross head is connected to shaft 12 including arms 13, 14, to the ends of which are connected rods 15, 16 respectively, which control contacts indicated generally by numerals 17, 18, the latter being included in the circuit of the magnet control valve of the motor and operating to close'the circuit of the valve magnet when the contacts 18 are closed, that is,

when the magnet'lO is energized. This puts the motor 4 in operation to eiiect a registering stroke. When the registering stroke is about completed another contact device indicated generally by reference numeral 19, Fig. 3, is opened, the opening or such circuit being accomplished by the registering stroke of the motor, said contact being normally closed except at about the completion of the registering action of the mt tor. The contacts 19 and 17 are included in a circuit through. the main control magnet 10 which I wilhterm an interlock circuit, the purpose of which is to permit the introduction of a coin to preliminarily close the circuit of the magnet 10, and when the magnet 10 is ener-' gized then the auxiliary or additional energizin circuit of said magnet which is control ed by contacts 17, 19, is closed, thereby retaining the magnet 10 energized as long as the contacts 17 and 19 remain closed whether the coin remains in its position to complete the circuit of magnet 10 or not. This action will permit the main control magnet 10 to remain ener ized even after the coin has passed beyon in its progress through the coin box to the point where it completes the preliminary circuit through said magnet.

It is desirable to properly regulate and control the time required to effect a complete.

operation of the registering actuating motor 4. The speed of operation of the motor should be such as to prevent unnecessary clogging of the apparatus, and at the same time it should not be too speedy to cause failure of complete registration of each coin introduced. Where a pneumatic'motor is employed to operate the register device a simple timing arrangement is employed which consists of a bleeder valve device indicated at 20, see Fig. 3, connected to the exhaust side of the motor and by the regulation of which the exhaust of operating medium from the motor may be regulated, thereby controlling and regulating the speed of action of the motor.

This generally constitutes the power mechanism for operating the register devices and the devices for controlling the motor through the passage of the coin into the coin box.

I will now describe somewhat more in detail the construction and arrangement of the devices for selecting or rejecting coins and the devices controlled by the proper coin through its passage into the coin box. The fare box or casing 21 is formed or provided with a mouth piece or slot 22 into which the coins are to be inserted. The sides of the receiving slot 22, if desired, may be formed with transparent portions indicated at 23 for the purpose of observing the coins as they are deposited in the receiving slot 22. The floor line 24 of the receiving slot 22 is preferably inclined downwardly and delivers into a chute or race-way which extends into the box or casing 21. This chute or raceway for a portion oi its length is formed with a slot or opening 25 and said raceway or chute consists essentially of two plates 26, 27, which are separated from each other at their upper and lower edges by filler strips 28, 29. A coin 67 is shown in the raceway in Fig. 4. The fillerstrip 29 at the lower edge is of less thickness than the filler strip at the upper edge, so that the space between the opposing surfaces of the two str ps is greater at the upper edge of the raceway than that at the lower edge of said raceway. The slot or opening 25 is formed at the plate 27, thereby forming the upper and lower portions 29', 30, constituting the bounding edge portions of the slot 25. In practice the upper portion 29 of strip '27 should be of less thickness than the lower portion 30 thereof, and the upper edge 31 of the lower portion 30 is preferably flared outwardly to a slight extent and rounded cit. The slot 25 is; preferably of increasing width from the upper towards its lower end. The width of this slot is regulated with reference to the particular coin which is to be selected and retained for registration in the apparatus. For example, in the case of a nickel it is of such dimension as not to permit the introduction therein of a quarter or a half dollar, or a coin of larger size than a nickel. On the other hand, by the construction above described, a smaller sized coin, such for exam le, as a penny or a dime, is rejected, and t is rejection is accomplished by reason of a. pe-

'31 of the lower sectlon of the plate. In.

the case of a dime or a penny, for example, the coin will reach a point in its travel down the raceway where the upper edge of the coin clears the lower edge of the portion 29 of plate 27. When this point is reached the coin already being in a slightly inclined position will tilt by gravity out to the slot and thence be eliminated or rejected from the a paratus. The ejected or eliminated coin ails into a receiving receptacle indicated at 32, and, if desired, in falling into said receptacle may strike or cause to be sounded a hell or other signal device 33 to warn the attendant that an improper coin has been passed into and ejected by the apparatus. The ejected or eliminated coin may then be removed by the person who deposited'it at the openlng indicated at 34. If the coin introduced is of the proper denomination in size, as shown by a coin 67, in Fig. 4, it passes on down into the, lower portion. of the chute or raceway indicated at 35, which referably' is of insulating material. which however, is provided with portions or plates 36, 37, forming a portion of its side walls of conducting material, such for example as nickel. Extending into the raceway through the edges thereof at the points where the conducting portions 36, 37 occur, are suitably insulated contacts 38, 39. The conducting portions 86, 37, and contacts v38, 39, are included in a circuit of the magnet 10 so that when the coin reaches the point in the raceway where the contact portions 36, 37, and contacts 38, 39, are placed. the coin completes an electric circuit through these parts and through the magnet. thereby energizing the magnet. A coin stop or retaining pin extends slightly into the raceway in position to form a rest for a coin to retain the same in position in the raceway to complete the circuit of the magnet through the conducting portions 36, 37, or contacts 38, 39, thereby insuring the retention of the coin in circuit closing position a sufiicient length of time to efl'ect its circuit closing function. As soon as the magnet 10 is energized its armature 11 is attracted thereby and the shaft 12 rocked, the contacts 17, consisting of the members 41, 42,;are closed upon each other. The member 41 is carriedby a rod 15 which is engaged by the rocker arm 13 of the crom head connected to shaft 2 3 7 8 the arm of the magnet armature. This rod 15 is supported and guided in an insulating block 44 which is supported within the casing and constitutes a part of the cross head main frame. The contact 42 is carried by this block 44. The stop pin 40 is also connected to and is operated by the arm 13 of the cross head. The operation of these v arts is that when the magnet is energized he contacts 41 and 42 are closed upon each other and the stop or retaining pin is with drawn from supporting relation with respect to a coin in the raceway. The same action of the magnet armature also shifts a rod 16 carried in a suitable bearing block 46 and connected to a rock lever 47 carrying a contact 48 which cooperates with a spring mounted contact 49 supported in an arm or bracket 50 forming part of the main cross head frame. These'contacts 48, 49 constitute the contact devices indicated generally at 18 in the diagram of Fig. 3. The rod 45 also connects to a stop pin 51 which opcrates to project into or to be withdrawn from the raceway at a point below the stop pin 40. The actuation of shaft 12 by the energization of the magnet therefor shifts the-rod 15 in one direction, thereby closing the contacts 41, 42, and withdrawing stop pin 40, and shifts the rod 16 in the other direction, thereby closing contacts 48, 49, and projecting stop pin 51 into the raceway. This releases the coin from step pin 40 and permits it to descend until arrested by the stop pin 51. This arrest of the coin continues until the registering operating motor 4 has completed its registration stroke and has opened contacts 19 which are included in the circuit of the magnet 10, thereby causing the magnet 10 to become deenergized and the parts to return to their nor- 4 mal ition. This means that the stop pin 51 Wlll be withdrawn from the raceway and the stop pin 40 projected into the raceway ready for proper functioning of the next incoming coin. The coin released by the withdrawal of the pin 51 permits the coin to drop down into a receiving receptacle 52 from which it may be removed by theconductor, registration thereof having been accomplished. Also connected to the rock shaft 12 is an arm 53 to which is connected a rod 54 extending upwardly in the casing and carrying equalizing springs 55, 56, at itsupper end, between which springs is received one arm 57 of a bell crank, the other arm 58 of which carries an arrester pin 59 which is adapted to extend up through the bottom wall or floor line 24 of the receiving slot 22. The arrangement of these parts is such that when the magnet 10 is energized and the shaft 12 is rocked the rod '54 is pulled downwardly, thereby causing the arrester pin 59 to project up into the raceway of the receiving slot 22 and arrest or prevent the entrance into the coin chute of another coin until the previously introduced coin which has caused the circuit of magnet 10 to be closed has completed its function and has been delivered into the receiving receptacle 52 and the circuit of magnet 10 again opened. \Vhen this takes place and after the motor has effected its registration function and the magnet has been deenergized in the manner fully stated below, the arm 53 and all of the parts concerned in the operation controlled by the passage of the coin through the passageway or chute are returned or restricted to their normal positions. This return may be facilitated by means of a tension spring connected to the lever arm 53, and the tension of which maybe made adjustable in any convenient manner, as, for example, by the thumb nut 61. The limit of the return motion of the parts to normal may be adjustably controlled in any convenient manner, as for example, by means of a set screw 62 which forms a limit for the operation of the armature when re leased from the magnet.

I have above referred to the fact that when the register actuating motor approaches the limit of its registering movement it accomplishes the opening of an electric circuit in the contacts 19. This is accomplished by causing the active element of the motor to engage one member 63 of the contacts 19, the other member 64 thereof being relatively stationary, and shifting the contact 63 out of its normal contact with the contact 64. A cam projection 65 on contact finger 63 is arranged in the path of movement of the active element of the motor to be engaged thereby as the motor approaches the limit of its registering movement and by which the openin of the contacts 63 and 64 is accomplishe I will now describe the circuit connections which control the various operations. When the proper coin, is in the position indicated at 66, the initial circuit through the magnet 10 is completed as follows :-from the source of current, through supply conductor a, magnet 10, conductor 6, conductor 0, the side 37 or contact 38, coin 66, side 36, or contact 39, to the return conductor (1. This causes energization of the magnet whereupon an auxiliary circuit throu h the magnet is completed as follows :-t rough supply conductor a, magnet 10, conductor 5, contact 64, which is normally closed 'upon contact 63, conductor 6, contact 41,

to contact 42, these two contacts being closed by the preliminary energization of magnet 10, thence through conductonj and return conductor 03. This last mentioned circuit remains closed even after the preliminary magnet circuit is opened by the coin 66 gassing on from the oint indicated in the rawings and descen ing further into the readily chute until it reaches the stop pin 51. The

initial closing of the circuit of magnet 10 also closes the contacts 48, 49, and thereupon the circuit of the magnet of the motor control device is closed as follows:from supply circuit a, through conductor f, contact 48, which, upon the initial energization of magnet 10 is closed upon contact 49, thence through conductor g, the magnet of the motor control device indicated at 9, and conductor h, to the return d. Thereupon the register actuating motor is put in operation and the registration is efiected. As the motor reaches the limit of its registering movement its active element 5, or a portion carried thereby, engages the cam 65 and opens the circuit of the magnet 10 by opening the contacts 63, 64. The parts controlled by the magnet 10 are thereupon restored to their normal positions and this action opens the circuit 0 the motor control device 9 by separating contacts 48, 49.

Many alterations and changes in the details of structure and arrangement will occur to persons skilled in the art and still fall within the spirit and scope of my invention. I do not desire therefore to be limited or restricted to the exact details shown and described. It will be seen, however, from the foregoing description that I provide an exceedingly simple and efiicient mechanism which rejects inappropriate coins but permits and insures the register of the proper coins introduced into the apparatus. The action of the apparatus is purely automatic and is controlled only by the coin itself. The parts are few and simple and can be made substantial and rugged, and therefore require but little care and attention for maintenance, repair and upkeep. There is no opportunity for the connivance of dishonest employees since the registering operations are wholly outside of his own regulation or control.

A registration is insured of only the proper coins and registrationis assured of each proper coin admitted to the apparatus.

A register mechanism embodying the principles of my invention while particularly useful in connection with the collection of fares in street car and subway and elevated railroad systems is equally useful in other situations where entrance fees or payments are made. I do not desire therefore to be limited or restricted in respect to the use to which an apparatus "of the nature described is to be put.

Having now set forth the objects and nature of m invention, what I claim as new and .use' ul, and of my own invention, and desire to secure by Letters Patent is,-

1. In a coin registering mechanism the coins passing through said mechanism into a circuit closing zone, a magnet for operat ing said controlling means, and means whereby said magnet remains energized after said coins have passed beyond said circuit closing zone.

2. In a coin registering mechanism the combination of a motor operated registering device and a plurality of circuit controlling means, operating means for simultaneously closing said plurality of circuit controlling means for rendering effective said registering device and for providing a closed control circuit wherein the contact is regulated in accordance with the time required for the registering device to complete its re istering function.

3. '%he combination with a register, of electrically controlled means for actuating said register, a normally open circuit therefor, a coin chute, a circuit maintained normally open by the absence of a coin in said.

chute,-means controlled by the insertion of a coin in said chute for closing said coin chute circuit and said register controlling circuit, means actuated thereby for main taininv said circuits closed after the passage of said controlled and timed by the actuation of said register for simultaneously opening both of said circuits.

coin out of said chute, and means 4. The combination with a register, of electrically controlled means for actuating said register, a normally open circuit therefor a coin chute, a circuit maintained normally open by the absence of a coin in said chute, a magnet included in said coin chute circuit, and operating when energized to close said register circuit, means controlled by the insertion'of a coin in said chute for energizin said magnet, means actuated thereby or maintaining said magnet energized after the assage of said coin out of said chute, and means controlled by the actuation of said register for opening both of said circuits.

5. The combination, in a coin register, of a registering mechanism, a coin chute, electrically controlled means normally inefiective but rendered effective by a coin in said chute, a motorfor operating said mechanism, means for simultaneously closing main and auxiliary circuits and for operating coin advancing and coin retarding mechanism, and means operated by the registering mechanism at the conclusion of its registering function for returning the electrically controlled means to its normal position.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand on this 18th day of August, A. D 1919.

GEORGE WASHINGTON MEYER'S. 

